Merton Council is seeking to cancel its gas contract with energy supplier Gazprom in response to the atrocities being committed by the Russian state in Ukraine.
Gazprom is due to begin a new one-year, £1m contract to supply gas across Merton’s buildings, including leisure centres, libraries and some schools, on April 1. The Council is now reviewing its position and is in discussions with other energy suppliers.
The council had no choice but to enter a contract with Gazprom, which has supplied the authority for eight years, after they were the only bidder to respond to the procurement of the contract.
Leader Mark Allison said: “I have asked officers to urgently review options to bring this contract agreement to an end to show our unity and empathy with the people of Ukraine. Any small step we can take is a step that must be taken.
“The atrocities being carried out by Russia are horrific, and know I speak for everyone associated with Merton Council and the borough when I say we stand steadfastly with the people of Ukraine.
“I am also today writing to the Government to ask for urgent changes to the laws around who councils can choose to do business with. Under law all council contracts are commercially-driven. We need the ability to refuse to do business with such firms based their moral or social suitability, not just their commercial offer.”
In addition, the Civic Centre in Morden will be lit blue and yellow at night for the foreseeable future in solidarity with Ukraine, while the council will fly the Ukrainian flag alongside the British flag from this weekend.